The Rosenthal Education Center (REC)

The REC is open during museum hours.

About the REC

The REC is a space for families to discover the Cincinnati Art Museum’s collection in a fun and safe manner. Open during specific museum hours, the REC is located on the first floor, just off of the Great Hall. The REC has a dedicated interactive space that changes twice a year. Themes for the interactive space are based on the museum’s collection, exhibitions, and elements of art and world cultures.

Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to accommodate school groups at this time. For information about additional opportunities for students and teachers contact us at [email protected].

What’s New in the REC?

A RECade: 10 Years of the Rosenthal Education Center

November 9, 2024–April 27, 2025 

In March 2025, the REC will turn 10 years old! To celebrate, the Rosenthal Education Center will transform into a timeline featuring all 19 of the past REC themes and bring back some of our favorite interactives and art-making activities. The REC will also feature interactive artwork by ALL our former REC artists in residence, including Pam Kravetz, Terence Hammonds, Christian Schmit, Michael Thompson, Jim Tucker, Julia Lipovsky, and John Lanzador. Come celebrate 10 years of creativity with us in the REC!

REC the Halls

December 3–29, 2024

Join us in the REC during the month of December for your holiday cardmaking and winter decoration crafting! The Art Bar will be stocked with fun and festive papers, ribbons, stickers, and everything you might need for your next holidazzling project. 

2025 REC Artist in Residence: Karen Saunders

After reviewing an impressive array of proposals from Cincinnati-area artists, the Cincinnati Art Museum is thrilled to announce the selection of Karen Saunders as the 2025 Rosenthal Education Center (REC) Artist in Residence!

Karen is a multi-disciplinary artist who hopscotched across the Midwest before landing in Cincinnati where she has practiced as an artist and arts educator for nearly three decades. Karen earned a BFA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with an emphasis on ceramics and an MA in Art Education from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. For the better part of 20 years, Karen has worked with diverse audiences at local institutions such as the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Kennedy Heights Arts Center while exhibiting her work at the Contemporary Arts Center, Canton Art Museum, Richmond Art Museum, and 21c Museum/Hotel.

The fantastical landscapes of the mysterious self-taught artist L. A. Roberts (in Gallery 219) inspired Karen’s multi-sensory, family friendly installation You And Me And The Space Between: Our Expedition Starts Now.  This work opens to the public on May 3, 2025. Stay tuned for more information about Karen’s residency and associated programming!

REC Volunteers

The Cincinnati Art Museum is seeking weekend volunteers to work in collaboration with museum staff to plan and prepare art projects, assist families and young visitors with art making, and greet visitors. This is a great opportunity to gain museum education experience while interacting and engaging with the community. Educational credit may be available for volunteers depending on the requirements of your university. Please visit the REC Volunteer Page for more information.

The Rosenthal Education Center is made possible through a donation from the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

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